“Hysteria” and the Strange History of Vibrators
While I would definitely opt for the Curvy 2+ as my number one draft pick, this one is gentle and the least aggressively vibrator-y looking vibrator I’ve ever owned. Also available in a Curvy 3+ generation, Curvy 2+ was easily my favorite of the three I tried out. It’s a pressure wave toy that also has a vibrating function — offering stimulation that ranges from buzzy and sweet to OMG WTF-intense. Size and shape are also important considerations, according to Epiphora, a sex toy reviewer who’s tried hundreds of toys in her more than fourteen years in the business. “Do your best to estimate the size and length of the shaft for your body, considering the full shaft must be inserted to achieve clitoral stimulation,” she says. A toy won’t be able to make contact with your clitoris if its shaft is too long for you to insert comfortably, so it may be best to err on the side of a shorter shaft, unless you know you love deep penetration.
Its three intensities make it a straightforward choice for beginners, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. “The lowest vibration is a warm, rumbly sensation; the middle ramps up in fluttering; the highest intensity is eye-poppingly strong yet simultaneously gentle,” she previously wrote in her review. To find the best sex toys designed to be used remotely at any distance, Good Housekeeping health editors surveyed half a dozen real-life consumer testers currently in long-distance relationships. A vibrating penis ring that can be controlled remotely in the same manner that a panty vibrator can?
While it can be tough to assess a toy’s noise level online, we recommend skimming reviews to see what shoppers have to say. When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera. Of course, cleaning protocols vary depending on material and waterproofing capabilities.
Will you use the masturbator alone or during sex (in which case, Dr. Lehmiller suggests an open-ended sleeve that can be combined with oral stimulation)? “There are a lot of options out there, so having some clarity around what you’re looking for can help you narrow down the choices,” he adds. The vibe is touted as whisper-quiet so moaning should be the only sound you hear. The wind tip simulates oral sex and the water tip throbs like the ocean. Its small size makes it travel-friendly and it’s so discreet that no one will know what it is, even if the TSA inspects your bag.
The Chorus provides a one-two punch of clitoral and G-spot stimulation, whether you use it alone or with a partner. One side slides inside the vagina, leaving enough space for a penis or strap-on, while the other side rests on top of your clitoris. If none of the toys above speak to you, don’t worry—we’ve found and tested plenty of other options. Keep scrolling to shop more bestselling, expert-approved clit vibes. “Most toys have more modes than you’ll ever need or use,” says Shannon. However, having a range of vibration intensities increases the likelihood that your purchase has a setting you’ll love.
If you shop online, you have a huge selection, and you don’t have to worry about anyone peering over your shoulder. Go to websites that are really great at providing educational/expert information with their toys, like Babeland, Good Vibrations , Ella Paradis or Lovehoney. Some sites even give you the option to chat with a live representative who can answer your questions. Also, for all modes, music is available to create a relaxing atmosphere. The main distinguishing feature is that the app also works when the screen is off. It provides a convenient and portable massage solution, making it perfect for on-the-go relaxation or relieving muscle tension throughout the day.
These small sex toys are designed to slide onto your fingers or sit right between them, allowing you to use one as an extension of your finger. “Finger vibrators are also great for people to extend the experience of their own touch,” says Balestrieri. “Because they are often easy to hold, or slide over a finger viberator, there is less mobility and agility required to access the pleasure of a vibrator. When used via solo sex, a finger vibrator allows you to stay more closely connected to your own sensations and erotic energy because it organically matches your own movements,” she explains. Whether you have a treasure trove of sex toys or this is your first one, finding the best one to suit your needs can be a game-changer for your sex life. Most have a single motor and only one or two buttons to control intensity.
Opt for a location where both you and your partner feel comfortable and at ease. For beginners, starting with familiar surroundings can alleviate nervousness and facilitate quick adjustments if needed. Restaurants, with their intimate seating arrangements and discreet restrooms, offer an ideal setting for discreet yet exhilarating encounters. Firstly, before making a purchase, it’s wise to read reviews or real-life comments to gain honest insights into the performance of the vibrator.
“You can use a wand during masturbation or partnered play for direct and targeted stimulation of the genitals,” Frye-Nekrasova says. “You can also use wands as foreplay of partner play by giving each other full-body massages with wands to fully relax and prep for fun together.” We named this small but mighty vibrator the best sex toy for travel, but it’s also an elite clitoral vibrator on its own, offering targeted vibrations as well as a lovely rumbly sensation across the vulval. Waterproof and made with medical-grade silicone, the tiny vibrator has a ridge to target the clit, and there are five intensities and patterns so you can customize the experience exactly how you’d like it. “Dame has really good products,” adds Gigi Engle, certified sex and relationships psychotherapist and resident sex expert at SexToysUK. “They’re reliable and high-quality.”It’s fully waterproof, so there are no limits to where you can bring this thing (and it also has a convenient travel-lock feature).
